Another Turntable Offering:

Why buy a restored vintage Thorens turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?

When you buy a restored turntable from Vinyl Nirvana, the table has undergone a multistep inspection, tuning, and detailing regimen. The work is performed by me, someone who has worked exclusively on belt driven, suspended subchassis turntables such as Thorens, Linn, and AR for over a decade. I know these models intimately, and have developed techniques over my lifetime to restore them to the best condition possible. In addition, since I have probably the largest selection of parts for these turntables in North America, if it is determined by inspection that something needs to be replaced because it is missing, broken or worn, it happens.

Though all of the turntables I sell will be 100% functional, because of their age, cosmetic condition will vary. It is my pledge to you that any and all cosmetic defects will be pointed out in the item description, and whenever it is possible, photographs will be provided. When you buy from me, it is not like eBay where you have to wonder if you are getting what you are really getting. If there is a flaw cosmetically, you will know it is there.

As a potential buyer, you should know I don’t just service these turntables, I love them. Though I have restored hundreds of them, I still find great joy in bringing a vintage turntable back to its glory. Likewise, if the turntable has been customized, I cared deeply that those items are the best possible ones I can source. For example, my custom plinths are built by a finish carpenter with over 30 years of experience, someone who cares as much about their sound construction as their beauty. Likewise, when something is custom painted or powdercoated, I go to a professional company, one of the most highly regarded in New England. Those are just two examples, but I have made it my mission, when I do farm out work, to get people who care about their finished product the same way I do.

Finally, because none of the above will matter if the turntable doesn’t reach you in one piece, I have extensive experience in safely shipping vintage turntables. I know the tricks and the techniques to get your turntable to you without incident. I literally ship over 100 turntables per year, and my success rate is over 99%. In the fractional amount of cases where there is a problem, it is always resolved with your complete satisfaction as my goal. A lot of businesses make that claim; with me you will find it is a way of life.

This Week’s Custom Thorens TD-125 MKII w/SME M2-9 Tonearm

Thanks for looking at and reading about this gorgeous Thorens TD-125. Though I love the TD 160 line, there is something about the substantialness of the 125 series that excites me. One thing is for sure, it is an ideal mate for the SME arms!

On to the listing…I would rate this particular turntable an 9.0/10.0. The custom rosewood plinth shows slight signs of wear on the two front rails. (See pics) The custom plinth is substantially more dense and heavy than the stock plinth. The rich Rosewood grain looks even more amazing in person than it does in photos!

The original battleship grey finish on the metal top plate has been professionally sanded and finished in auto-grade paint. The new color, a glossier version of the original color, looks amazing and is much more durable than regular paint. The brushed aluminum faceplate is in excellent condition. All lettering crisp and clear.

The TD-125 MKII features three speeds: 16, 33, and 45. There is a pitch controller and a stroboscope for precise speed adjustment. The speed control unit has been completely serviced, with the caps and transistors most likely to fail replaced! It is ready for another 40 years of service! Note: More features of this custom TD-125 are highlighted in a youtube video at the bottom of this page.

The Bren weight is included. A dust cover is NOT included, but new acrylic one can be added for $155.

The used SME M2-9 Tonearm

The SME tonearms have been lauded for their excellence for over 40 years. The M2-9 is one of their latest arms. (Retail $1600) It incorporates many of the classic SME characteristics, yet belongs solidly in the here and now. This used example is in excellent condition. Note: it is pictured with a vintage fingerlift…this will be replaced with the standard M2-9 fingerlift for delivery. Also, the original SME rca plugs have been replaced with new gold plated ones. The cable itself is original. The arm is mounted on a new acrylic armboard.

Overall, this is a stunning table with a serious arm capable of handling cartridges in the $400 to $2000 range with ease. I am a dealer for Dynavector, Ortofon, and Grado.

New for Fall 2014

Beginning this fall, all Thorens TD-125 models will feature armboards of solid acrylic or copolymer. Through research conducted by George Merrill, acrylics and copolymer materials were found to be best at isolating the tonearm from unwanted resonances. The new armboards are cnc-milled and then finished professionally. They look amazing and excel in isolating the arm.

Also new for the fall is the addition of a cork-rubber composite mat. Since the Merrill-Scillia lead mats were discontinued two years ago, I have been searching for a mat that offers the same pliability and isolation. This cork-rubber blend is so perfect, I have begun using it in my main system to replace my lead-cork mat. These will also be offered for retail sale at $45 in Spring 2015.

Top plate was stripped and painted professionally with auto-grade finish

Slight nick and abrasions to front left railVery slight wear to left railOverall veneer work is stunning

The Details

I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes and bubble wrap. The dustcover will ship separately, also double boxed. I prefer UPS. I love introducing someone new to the joys of vinyl, getting someone back into vinyl who left it for the “superiority” of cds, or helping someone else who does appreciate it to “move up.” In that regard, I do what few sellers do…if the buyer needs it, I can supply up to one hour of help by phone with set up. (At a mutually arranged time.) In general, most buyers don’t need it, but if there IS a problem, I am there.

Your table is guaranteed to look and work as described, or you may return it within ten days of arrival for a full refund, minus return shipping charges and a 5% restocking fee. After ten days, all returns are for merchandise credit only. Any new parts are under full product warranty as I am a dealer.